Julie Béna's 'Parodie' exhibition at Magasin CNAC explores identity through carnivalesque theater
Julie Béna's inaugural significant exhibition in France, titled 'Parodie,' is currently on display at Magasin CNAC in Grenoble until April 5. The Paris-based artist showcases a nighttime carnival through her sculptural installations and films, prominently featuring her alter ego, the Jester. Among the artworks are welded metal black cats, skeletal horses, and shoes made from fabric and resin. Films such as 'Dirty Shirley' (2024) satirize American celebrity game shows, while 'Strakati' (2022) delves into self-identity within family dynamics. The single-shot film 'Miles' (2020-21) contemplates aging and personal identity. The atrium features a neon installation named 'Parodie' (2025) and carousel horses from 'Dirty Shirley.' Béna's creations critique societal narratives and identities, merging personal history with insights on entertainment and family roles, as noted in ArtReview's November 2025 edition.
Key facts
- Julie Béna's first major exhibition in France is titled 'Parodie'
- The exhibition runs through April 5 at Magasin CNAC in Grenoble
- It features sculptural installations, films, and a nocturnal carnival aesthetic
- Béna's alter ego, the Jester, recurs throughout the works
- Films include 'Dirty Shirley' (2024), 'Strakati' (2022), and 'Miles' (2020-21)
- The exhibition includes an early film with BDSM performer-activist Madison Young
- Works explore themes of identity, performance, and familial ties
- The exhibition is reviewed in the November 2025 issue of ArtReview
Entities
Artists
- Julie Béna
- Madison Young
Institutions
- Magasin CNAC
- ArtReview
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Grenoble